Localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in the rat kidney

Calcium signalling and transport in the kidney

The kidney plays a pivotal role in regulating calcium levels within the body. Approximately 98% of the filtered calcium is reabsorbed in the nephron, and this process is tightly controlled to maintain calcium homeostasis, which is required to facilitate optimal bone mineralization, preserve serum calcium levels within a narrow range, and support intracellular signalling mechanisms. The maintenance of these functions is attributed to a delicate balance achieved by various calcium channels, transporters, and calcium-binding proteins in renal cells. Perturbation of this balance due to deficiency or dysfunction of calcium channels and calcium-binding proteins can lead to severe complications. For example, polycystic kidney disease is linked to aberrant calcium transport and signalling. Furthermore, dysregulation of calcium levels can promote the formation of kidney stones. This Review provides an updated description of the key aspects of calcium handling in the kidney, focusing on the function of various calcium channels and the physiological stimuli that control these channels or are communicated through them. A discussion of the role of calcium as an intracellular second messenger and the pathophysiology of renal calcium dysregulation, as well as a summary of gaps in knowledge and future prospects, are also included.

The pathological role of damaged organelles in renal tubular epithelial cells in the progression of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of AKI has not been fully elucidated, with a lack of effective treatment. Renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) play an important role in AKI, and their damage and repair largely determine the progression and prognosis of AKI. In recent decades, it has been found that the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, and other organelles in TECs are damaged to varying degrees in AKI, and that they can influence each other through various signaling mechanisms that affect the recovery of TECs. However, the association between these multifaceted signaling platforms, particularly between mitochondria and lysosomes during AKI remains unclear. This review summarizes the specific pathophysiological mechanisms of the main TECs organelles in the context of AKI, particularly the potential interactions among them, in order to provide insights into possible novel treatment strategies.

Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes (MAMs) and Their Prospective Roles in Kidney Disease

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs) serve as essential hubs for interorganelle communication in eukaryotic cells and play multifunctional roles in various biological pathways. A defect in ER-mitochondria signaling or MAMs dysfunction has pleiotropic effects on a variety of intracellular events, which results in disturbances of the mitochondrial quality control system, Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, apoptosis, ER stress, and inflammasome activation, which all contribute to the onset and progression of kidney disease. Here, we review the structure and molecular compositions of MAMs as well as the experimental methods used to study these interorganellar contact sites. We will specifically summarize the downstream signaling pathways regulated by MAMs, mainly focusing on mitochondrial quality control, oxidative stress, ER-mitochondria Ca2+ crosstalk, apoptosis, inflammasome activation, and ER stress. Finally, we will discuss how alterations in MAMs integrity contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney disease and offer directions for future research.

Renal autoregulation in health and disease

Intrarenal autoregulatory mechanisms maintain renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) independent of renal perfusion pressure (RPP) over a defined range (80-180 mmHg). Such autoregulation is mediated largely by the myogenic and the macula densa-tubuloglomerular feedback (MD-TGF) responses that regulate preglomerular vasomotor tone primarily of the afferent arteriole. Differences in response times allow separation of these mechanisms in the time and frequency domains. Mechanotransduction initiating the myogenic response requires a sensing mechanism activated by stretch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and coupled to intracellular signaling pathways eliciting plasma membrane depolarization and a rise in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). Proposed mechanosensors include epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), integrins, and/or transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Increased [Ca(2+)]i occurs predominantly by Ca(2+) influx through L-type voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCC). Increased [Ca(2+)]i activates inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to mobilize Ca(2+) from sarcoplasmic reticular stores. Myogenic vasoconstriction is sustained by increased Ca(2+) sensitivity, mediated by protein kinase C and Rho/Rho-kinase that favors a positive balance between myosin light-chain kinase and phosphatase. Increased RPP activates MD-TGF by transducing a signal of epithelial MD salt reabsorption to adjust afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction. A combination of vascular and tubular mechanisms, novel to the kidney, provides for high autoregulatory efficiency that maintains RBF and GFR, stabilizes sodium excretion, and buffers transmission of RPP to sensitive glomerular capillaries, thereby protecting against hypertensive barotrauma. A unique aspect of the myogenic response in the renal vasculature is modulation of its strength and speed by the MD-TGF and by a connecting tubule glomerular feedback (CT-GF) mechanism. Reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide are modulators of myogenic and MD-TGF mechanisms. Attenuated renal autoregulation contributes to renal damage in many, but not all, models of renal, diabetic, and hypertensive diseases. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding underlying mechanisms enabling renal autoregulation in health and disease and methods used for its study.

The type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, emerging functions for an intriguing Ca²⁺-release channel

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) type 2 (IP3R2) is an intracellular Ca²⁺-release channel located on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). IP3R2 is characterized by a high sensitivity to both IP3 and ATP and is biphasically regulated by Ca²⁺. Furthermore, IP3R2 is modulated by various protein kinases. In addition to its regulation by protein kinase A, IP3R2 forms a complex with adenylate cyclase 6 and is directly regulated by cAMP. Finally, in the ER, IP3R2 is less mobile than the other IP3R isoforms, while its functional properties appear dominant in heterotetramers. These properties make the IP3R2 a Ca²⁺ channel with exquisite properties for setting up intracellular Ca²⁺ signals with unique characteristics. IP3R2 plays a crucial role in the function of secretory cell types (e.g. pancreatic acinar cells, hepatocytes, salivary gland, eccrine sweat gland). In cardiac myocytes, the role of IP3R2 appears more complex, because, together with IP3R1, it is needed for normal cardiogenesis, while its aberrant activity is implicated in cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmias. Most importantly, its high sensitivity to IP3 makes IP3R2 a target for anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g. Bcl-2) in B-cell cancers. Disrupting IP3R/Bcl-2 interaction therefore leads in those cells to increased Ca²⁺ release and apoptosis. Intriguingly, IP3R2 is not only implicated in apoptosis but also in the induction of senescence, another tumour-suppressive mechanism. These results were the first to unravel the physiological and pathophysiological role of IP3R2 and we anticipate that further progress will soon be made in understanding the function of IP3R2 in various tissues and organs.

PKCα signaling pathway involves in TNF-α-induced IP3R1 expression in human mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore the effects of TNF-α on the expression of IP3R1 mRNA and protein in human mesangial cells (HMCs), and to elucidate the mechanism of TNF-α relating to IP3R1 expression in the occurrence of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).

METHODS

HMCs were stimulated by tumor (TNF-α) with 100 ng/mL for different hours (2, 4, 8, and 24 hours). The expression changes of IP3R1 mRNA and protein were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Several inhibitors including D609, U73122, PP1, safingol, rottlerin and non-radioactive protein kinase C (PKC) were used to examine the mechanism of signal transduction of TNF-α-regulated IP3R1 in HMCs.

RESULTS

The levels of IP3R1 mRNA at 2 hours after TNF-α exposure were significantly enhanced and peaked at 8 hours in HMCs (P<0.01), then descended at 24 hours (P<0.01). The levels of IP3R1 protein at 4 hours after TNF-α exposure were obviously increased and peaked at 24 hours after TNF-α exposure (P<0.01). Compared to the control group, safingol (PKCα inhibitor) and D609 (phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitor) significantly blocked the TNF-αinduced expression of IP3R1 mRNA (3.30±0.81 vs. 1.95±0.13, P<0.05; 2.10±0.49, P<0.01) and IP3R1 protein (3.09±0.13 vs. 1.86+0.39, P<0.01; 1.98±0.02, P<0.01). TNF-α promoted PKCα activation with maximal PKCα phosphorylation that occurred 8 hours after stimulation measured by non-radioactive PKC assay, and the effect was markedly attenuated by pretreatment with D609 or safingol.

CONCLUSION

TNF-α increased the expression of IP3R1 and this was mediated, at least in part, through the PC-PLC/PKCα signaling pathways in HMCs.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor up-regulation in hypertension is associated with sensitization of Ca2+ release and vascular smooth muscle contractility

Resistance arteries show accentuated responsiveness to vasoconstrictor agonists in hypertension, and this abnormality relies partly on enhanced Ca(2+) signaling in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). Although inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are abundant in VSM, their role in the molecular remodeling of the Ca(2+) signaling machinery during hypertension has not been addressed. Therefore, we compared IP3R expression and function between mesenteric arteries of normotensive and hypertensive animals. Levels of IP3R transcript and protein were significantly increased in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive animals, and pharmacological inhibition of the IP3R revealed a higher contribution of IP3-dependent Ca(2+) release to vascular contraction in these arteries. Subsequently, we established cultured aortic VSM A7r5 cells as a cellular model that replicates IP3R up-regulation during hypertension by depolarizing the VSM cell membrane. IP3R up-regulation requires Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels, followed by activation of the calcineurin-NFAT axis, resulting in IP3R transcription. Functionally, IP3R up-regulation in VSM is associated with enhancement and sensitization of IP3-dependent Ca(2+) release, resulting in increased VSM contraction in response to agonist stimulation.

Cloning and expression of a new inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 splice variant in adult rat atrial myocytes

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP(3)R1) is already known to be highly expressed in the brain, and is found in many other tissues, including the atrium of the heart. Although the complete primary structure of IP(3)R1 in the rat brain has been reported, the complete sequence of an IP(3)R1 clone from atrial myocytes has not been reported. We isolated an IP(3)R1 complementary DNA (cDNA) clone from isolated adult rat atrial myocytes, and found a new splice variant of IP(3)R1 that was different from a previously reported IP(3)R1 cDNA clone obtained from a rat brain (NCBI GenBank accession number: NM_001007235). Our clone had 99% similarity with the rat brain IP(3)R1 sequence; the exceptions were 39 amino acid deletions at the position of 1693-1731, and the deletion of phenylalanine at position 1372 that lay in the regulatory region. Compared with the rat brain IP(3)R1, in our clone proline was replaced with serine at residue 2439, and alanine was substituted for valine at residue 2445. These changes lie adjacent to or within the fifth transmembrane domain (2440-2462). Although such changes in the amino acid sequences were different from the rat brain IP3R1 clone, they were conserved in human or mouse IP3R1. We produced a plasmid construct expressing the atrial IP3R1 together with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and successfully overexpressed the atrial IP3R1 in the adult atrial cell line HL-1. Further investigation is needed on the physiological significance of the new splice variant in atrial cell function.

TNFα-induced IP3R1 expression through TNFR1/PC-PLC/PKCα and TNFR2 signalling pathways in human mesangial cell

BACKGROUND

Little information is available regarding the mechanisms involved in cytokine-induced type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1) expression in human mesangial cells (HMCs) in the occurrence of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Over-expression of IP(3)R1 would enhance both IP(3)-binding activity and sensitivity. We hypothesize that it is possible that increased IP(3)R1, induced by TNFα, would lead to increased IP(3) sensitivity in response to a variety of vasoconstrictors, and promote HMC contraction and thus lead to reduced GFP, promoting HRS occurrence and development.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assay were used to examine the effects of TNFα on IP(3)R1 mRNA and protein expression. Several inhibitors of kinases, depletion PKC, over-expression of dominant-negative mutant of PKC and non-radioactive PKC assay were used to examine the mechanism of signal transduction of TNFα-regulated IP(3)R1 in HMCs.

RESULTS

TNFα increased IP(3)R1 mRNA and protein expression in HMCs, an effect that was blocked by prolonged incubated chronic PMA, D609, safingol and also by transfection with domain-negative PKCα construct. TNFα activated and promoted autophosphorylation of the PKCα. In addition, both anti-TNFR1 and anti-TNFR2 antibodies blocked TNFα-induced IP(3)R1 protein expression, while only anti-TNFR1 antibodies but not anti-TNFR2 antibodies attenuated TNFα-induced PKCα activity.

CONCLUSIONS

TNFα increased the expression of IP(3)R1, and this was mediated, at least in part, through the TNFR1/PC-PLC/PKCα and TNFR2 signalling pathways in HMCs.

Type 2 IP(3) receptors are involved in uranyl acetate induced apoptosis in HEK 293 cells

Calcium released from endoplasmic reticulum through special calcium release channels - inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) - serves as a main source of cytosolic calcium signaling in the majority of cell types in physiological state and also in pathological situations. In this work, we studied whether IP(3)Rs can be involved in uranyl acetate induced nephrotoxicity. Using human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293) as an experimental model we have found that uranyl acetate (5 and 50microM) up-regulates both, mRNA and protein levels of the type 1 and type 2 IP(3) receptors in HEK293 cells. This increase was associated with elevated expression of proapoptotic factors Bax and Caspase 3 and also by higher extent of apoptosis. Vice versa, induction of apoptosis resulted in increased mRNA levels of IP(3)R2 and also elevated levels of apoptotic markers. Therefore we propose that enhanced expression of the type 2 IP(3)Rs can at least partially contribute to increased levels of apoptosis due to uranyl acetate treatment.

Organellar calcium signalling mechanisms in Drosophilaepithelial function

Calcium signalling and calcium homeostasis are essential for life. Studies of calcium signalling thus constitute a major proportion of research in the life sciences, although the majority of these studies are based in cell lines or isolated cells. Epithelial cells and tissues are essential in the regulation of critical physiological processes, including fluid transport; and so the modulation of such processes in vivo by cell-specific calcium signalling is thus of interest. In this review, we describe the approaches to measuring intracellular calcium in the genetically tractable fluid-transporting tissue, the Drosophila Malpighian tubule by targeting cell-specific protein-based calcium reporters to defined regions,cells and intracellular compartments of the intact Malpighian tubule. We also discuss recent findings on the roles of plasma membrane and intracellular calcium channels; and on organellar stores – including mitochondria,Golgi and peroxisomes – in Malpighian tubule function.

Hypoxia differently modulates gene expression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in mouse kidney and HEK 293 cell line

Hypoxia is a state of insufficient oxygen supply of the tissue or cell. Kidney tissue is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation and easily develops renal ischemic injury. Calcium transporters very sensitively react to oxygen deficiency. We investigated whether hypoxia affects the gene expression of intracellular calcium transporters in the intact kidney, and we compared the response to that of HEK 293 cells. Our results showed that, while in mouse kidney tissue hypoxia elevates mRNA for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) type 1 (IP3R1) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) type 2 (RyR2), in culture of HEK 293 cells the gene expression of all IP3Rs decreased without affecting viability of the cells. RyR2 mRNA in HEK 293 cells was not significantly changed, but RyR1 gene expression was significantly increased by hypoxia. The different response of kidney tissue and HEK 293 cells to hypoxia could be due to unequal differentiation state of the cells in intact tissue and cultured embryonic cell line. The physiological relevance of this observation remains to be determined.

Research progress in the mechanism of renal vasoconstriction in hepatorenal syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as the development of renal failure in patients with severe liver disease in the absence of any other identifiable cause of renal pathology. The hallmark of HRS is renal vasoconstriction. The cause of renal vasoconstriction may involve several factors: activation of renal nervous system, imbalance of renal vasoactive mediators and molecular mechanism. In this review, we summarize the above progress.

Type I inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptors increase in kidney of mice with fulminant hepatic failure

AIM: To delineate the mechanisms of renal vasocon-striction in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), we investigated the expression of typeIinositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptors (IP₃RI) of kidney in mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

METHODS: FHF was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in D-galactosamine (GalN) sensitized BALB/c mice. There were 20 mice in normal saline (NS)-treated group, 20 mice in LPS-treated group, 20 mice in GalN-treated group, and 60 mice in GalN/LPS-treated group (FHF group). Liver and kidney tissues were obtained at 2, 6, and 9 h after administration. The liver and kidney specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for studying morphological changes under light microscope. The expression of IP₃RIin kidney tissue was tested by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.

RESULTS: Kidney tissues were morphologically normal at all time points in all groups. IP₃RIproteins were found localized in the plasma region of glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in kidney by immunohistochemical staining. In kidney of mice with FHF at 6 h and 9 h IP₃RIstaining was up-regulated. Results from Western blot demonstrated consistent and significant increment of IP₃RIexpression in mice with FHF at 6 h and 9 h (t = 3.16, P < 0.05; t = 5.43, P < 0.01). Furthermore, we evaluated IP₃RImRNA expression by RT-PCR and observed marked up-regulation of IP₃RImRNA in FHF samples at 2 h, 6 h and 9 h compared to controls (t = 2.97, P < 0.05; t = 4.42, P < 0.01; t = 3.81, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The expression of IP₃RIprotein increased in GMC and renal VSMC of mice with FHF, possibly caused by up-regulation of IP₃RImRNA.

Characterization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor subtypes at rat colonic epithelium

The aim of the present study was the characterization of the subtypes of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) in rat colonic epithelium. A monoclonal antibody against IP3R1 did not stain the colonic epithelial cells. In contrast, IP3R2 and IP3R3 were found within the epithelium; however, with a distinct intracellular localization and differences in their distribution along the crypt axis. IP3R2 immunoreactivity was found within the nuclei of the epithelial cells. The signal was distributed all over the nucleus and not restricted to the nuclear envelope as demonstrated by counterstaining with lamin B1 and electron microscopical examination after immunogold labelling. In contrast, an antibody against IP3R3 stained the epithelial cells mostly in their apical half in accordance with the typical localization of IP3R in organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, there was a gradient from the surface region towards the crypt fundus, where the IP3R3 signal could not be detected. Despite the strong IP3R3-gradient, in saponin-permeabilized colonic crypts exogenously administered IP3 or adenophostin A evoked a similar depletion of mag-fura-2-loaded intracellular Ca2+ stores in crypt and surface cells suggesting a contribution of the nuclear IP3R2 to the Ca2+ release. This conclusion was confirmed by experiments with isolated nuclei from colonic epithelium, at which IP3 was able to induce changes in the Ca2+ concentration, which were inhibited by 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), a blocker of IP3 receptors. These results demonstrate that the colonic epithelial cells undergo changes in IP3R subtype expression during differentiation.

Effect of flow and stretch on the [Ca2+]i response of principal and intercalated cells in cortical collecting duct

An acute increase in tubular fluid flow rate in the microperfused cortical collecting duct (CCD), associated with a approximately 20% increase in tubular diameter, leads to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i)in both principal and intercalated cells (Woda CB, Leite M Jr, Rohatgi R, and Satlin LM. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 283: F437-F446, 2002). The apical cilium present in principal but not intercalated cells has been proposed to be a flow sensor. To determine whether flow across the cilium and/or epithelial stretch mediates the [Ca2+]i response, CCDs from New Zealand White rabbits were microperfused in vitro, split-open (to isolate the effect of flow across cilia), or occluded (to examine the effect of stretch and duration/magnitude of the flow impulse), and [Ca2+]i was measured using fura 2. In perfused and occluded CCDs, a rapid (<1 s) but not slow (>3 min) increase in luminal flow rate and/or circumferential stretch led to an approximately threefold increase in [Ca2+]i in both principal and intercalated cells within approximately 10 s. This response was mediated by external Ca2+ entry and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated release of cell Ca2+ stores. In split-open CCDs, an increase in superfusate flow led to an approximately twofold increase in [Ca2+]i in both cell types within approximately 30 s. These experimental findings are interpreted using mathematical models to predict the fluid stress on the apical membranes of the CCD and the forces and torques on and deformation of the cilia. We conclude that rapid increases in luminal flow rate and circumferential stretch, leading to shear or hydrodynamic impulses at the cilium or apical membrane, lead to increases in [Ca2+]i in both principal and intercalated cells.

TGF-beta-induced Ca(2+) influx involves the type III IP(3) receptor and regulates actin cytoskeleton

Ca(2+) influx has been postulated to modulate the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta); however, the underlying mechanism and functional significance of TGF-beta-induced stimulation of Ca(2+) influx are unclear. We show here that TGF-beta stimulates Ca(2+) influx in mesangial cells without Ca(2+) release. The influx of Ca(2+) is prevented by pharmacological inhibitors of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)R) as well as specific antibodies to type III IP(3)R (IP(3)RIII) but not to type I IP(3)R (IP(3)RI). TGF-beta enhances plasma membrane localization of IP(3)RIII, whereas the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) preferentially translocates to the nucleus. Untreated mesangial cells exhibit actin filamentous protrusions on the cell surface, and treatment with TGF-beta dramatically reduces this pattern. The alterations in the actin cytoskeleton by TGF-beta are dependent on TGF-beta-induced Ca(2+) influx. These studies identify a novel pathway by which TGF-beta regulates Ca(2+) influx and induces cytoskeletal alterations.

Calcium signalling in tissue: diversity and domain-specific integration of individual cell response in salivary glands

Organ function requires coordinated multicellular activities, which may require proper control of cell signalling dynamics at the supracellular level. By using high-speed confocal microscopy, we studied how calcium signalling is organised in the dissociated rat parotid gland. Salivary gland function is accomplished primarily by the compartmentalized epithelial domains, acini and ducts, the former involved in the production of primary saliva and the latter involved in its modification. Upon muscarinic stimulation with carbachol, both domains showed an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) with distinctive spatiotemporal kinetics, as indicated by the fluo-3 fluorescence. Acini responded initially, and the ducts followed with a time lag of more than 0.3 second. Cells comprising an acinus responded synchronously, whereas those in the ducts responded heterogeneously with respect to the latency period, magnitude of response and the requirement of extracellular calcium to raise [Ca(2+)]i. ATP also elicited a non-synchronous [Ca(2+)]i response in the duct domain, under a pattern different from that of carbachol. The synchronous oscillations seen in the acinar domain were made asynchronous by octanol, an agent known to inhibit gap-junction function. Accordingly, a gap junction component, connexin 32, was immunolocalised predominantly between the acinar cells. Moreover, expression of the type 2 inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)R] was homogeneous in the acinar domain but heterogeneous in the duct domain. Together, these data suggest that the calcium signalling system in salivary glands is constructed specifically according to the tissue architecture.

cADP-ribose/ryanodine channel/Ca2+-release signal transduction pathway in mesangial cells

Signaling via release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is mediated by several systems, including the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and cADP-ribose (cADPR) pathway. We recently discovered a high capacity for cADPR synthesis in rat glomeruli and cultured mesangial cells (MC). We sought to determine whether 1) cADPR synthesis in MC is regulated by cytokines and hormones, 2) ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are expressed in MC, and 3) Ca2+ is released through RyRs in response to cADPR. We found that ADP-ribosyl cyclase, a CD38-like enzyme that catalyzes cADPR synthesis, is upregulated in MC by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). [3H]ryanodine binds to microsomal fractions from MC with high affinity in a Ca2+-dependent manner; binding is enhanced by specific RyR agonists and blocked by ruthenium red and cADPR. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of RyR in MC. Release of 45Ca2+ from MC microsomes was stimulated by cADPR; release was blocked by ruthenium red and 8-bromo-cADPR. ADPR (non-cyclic) was without effect. In MC, TNF-alpha and atRA amplified the increment of cytoplasmic Ca2+ elicited by vasopressin. We conclude that MC possess elements of a novel ADP-ribosyl cyclase-->cADPR-->RyR-->Ca2+-release signaling pathway subject to regulation by proinflammatory cytokines and steroid superfamily hormones.

Regulation by Ca2+ and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) of single recombinant type 3 InsP3 receptor channels. Ca2+ activation uniquely distinguishes types 1 and 3 insp3 receptors

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor (InsP3R) is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized Ca2+ -release channel that controls complex cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signaling in many cell types. At least three InsP3Rs encoded by different genes have been identified in mammalian cells, with different primary sequences, subcellular locations, variable ratios of expression, and heteromultimer formation. To examine regulation of channel gating of the type 3 isoform, recombinant rat type 3 InsP3R (r-InsP3R-3) was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and single-channel recordings were obtained by patch-clamp electrophysiology of the outer nuclear membrane. Gating of the r-InsP3R-3 exhibited a biphasic dependence on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In the presence of 0.5 mM cytoplasmic free ATP, r-InsP3R-3 gating was inhibited by high [Ca2+]i with features similar to those of the endogenous Xenopus type 1 Ins3R (X-InsP3R-1). Ca2+ inhibition of channel gating had an inhibitory Hill coefficient of approximately 3 and half-maximal inhibiting [Ca2+]i (Kinh) = 39 microM under saturating (10 microM) cytoplasmic InsP3 concentrations ([InsP3]). At [InsP3] < 100 nM, the r-InsP3R-3 became more sensitive to Ca2+ inhibition, with the InsP(3) concentration dependence of Kinh described by a half-maximal [InsP3] of 55 nM and a Hill coefficient of approximately 4. InsP(3) activated the type 3 channel by tuning the efficacy of Ca2+ to inhibit it, by a mechanism similar to that observed for the type 1 isoform. In contrast, the r-InsP3R-3 channel was uniquely distinguished from the X-InsP3R-1 channel by its enhanced Ca2+ sensitivity of activation (half-maximal activating [Ca2+]i of 77 nM instead of 190 nM) and lack of cooperativity between Ca2+ activation sites (activating Hill coefficient of 1 instead of 2). These differences endow the InsP3R-3 with high gain InsP3-induced Ca2+ release and low gain Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release properties complementary to those of InsP3R-1. Thus, distinct Ca2+ signals may be conferred by complementary Ca2+ activation properties of different InsP3R isoforms.

Modulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding to the various inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor isoforms by thimerosal and cyclic ADP-ribose

Three different genes encode the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R), an intracellular Ca2+ channel involved in cellular Ca2+ signaling. The IP3-binding characteristics of the various IP3R isoforms differ, but until now no specific activators or inhibitors of IP3 binding have been described. We compared the effects of oxidizing reagents, in particular thimerosal, and of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) on IP3 binding to the various IP3R isoforms. We therefore expressed the N-terminal 581 amino acids of the three IP(3)R isoforms as recombinant proteins in the soluble fraction of Escherichia coli (ligand-binding sites [lbs] 1, 2, and 3) as well as the full-length IP3R1 and IP3R3 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. Thimerosal (100 microM) stimulated IP3 binding to lbs-1 (1.4-fold) and lbs-3 (2.5-fold), but had no effect on lbs-2. Thimerosal acted on lbs-1 and lbs-3 by decreasing the Kd for IP3 binding (from 46 +/- 4 nM to 20 +/- 2 nM and from 54 +/- 21 nM to 19 +/- 7 nM for lbs-1 and -3, respectively) without modifying the Bmax. Similarly, IP3 binding to microsomes of Sf9 insect cells overexpressing the full-length IP3R1 was 1.2-fold stimulated by thimerosal. Thimerosal, however, did not affect IP3 binding to Sf9-IP3R3 microsomes, suggesting that in situ thimerosal will only directly affect ligand binding to the type 1 isoform. cADPR (50 microM) stimulated IP3 binding to Sf9-IP3R1 microsomes (1.5-fold), but not to Sf9-IP3R3 microsomes. In addition, cADPR inhibited IP3 binding to lbs-1 and lbs-2 by decreasing the affinity for IP3 1.8- and 2.8-fold, respectively, while IP3 binding to lbs-3 was not affected. These results suggest that a regulatory site for cADPR is present in the ligand-binding domain of IP3R1 and 2, but not of IP3R3.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate: a new Ca2+ releasing agent in kidney

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), a molecule derived from beta-NADP, has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of invertebrate eggs and mammalian cell microsomes. NAADP-induced Ca2+ release occurs through a mechanism distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate- or cyclic ADP-ribose-elicited Ca2+ release. This study investigated whether NAADP can be synthesized in rat kidney. Extracts from glomeruli, mesangial cells, and papilla have high NAADP synthetic capacities. Conversely, synthesis of NAADP in kidney cortex was almost undetectable. Furthermore, 9-cis-retinoic acid significantly up-regulated NAADP synthesis in mesangial cells. Authenticity of NAADP biosynthesis in glomeruli was affirmed by HPLC analysis. NAADP stimulated Ca2+ release from mesangial cell microsomes through a pathway distinct from that of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate or cyclic ADP-ribose. NAADP-triggered Ca2+ release may play an important role in regulation of renal function.

Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors by transforming growth factor-beta: implications for vascular dysfunction in diabetes

Diabetes in its early stages is associated with enhanced glomerular blood flow and systemic vasodilation. Possible consequences of enhanced glomerular blood flow are glomerular hypertrophy, increased shear stress, and subsequent glomerulosclerosis. The prosclerotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), has been well established to play a key role in mesangial matrix accumulation in diabetes; however, its role in regulating vascular tone has not been studied in depth. Earlier studies have demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells and mesangial cells pretreated with TGF-beta have impaired calcium mobilization to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) generating agonists, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and Angiotensin I1 (Ang II). We postulated that this action of TGF-beta may be caused by regulation of the key intracellular calcium channel, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). Mesangial and smooth muscle cells primarily contain the types I IP3R and III IP3R isoforms. Short-term exposure of mesangial cells to TGF-beta (15-60 min) leads to phosphorylation of the type I IP3R at specific serine residues. Long-term exposure of mesangial cells to TGF-beta (24 hours) leads to down-regulation of protein levels of both types I and III IP3Rs as assessed by Western blot and confocal analysis. Permeabilization of cells and exposure to IP3 leads to impaired calcium mobilization if cells are pretreated with TGF-beta. As an in vivo correlation, we found that streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and mice have reduced renal type I IP3R expression. By immunostaining, we found reduction of type I IP3R in glomerular cells and arteriolar smooth muscle cells of the diabetic rat kidney. Treatment of diabetic mice with a neutralizing anti-TGF-beta antibody completely prevents diabetic glomerular hypertrophy. We conclude that the vascular dysfunction of diabetes leading to glomerular hypertrophy is mediated, in part, by TGF-beta-induced regulation of IP3Rs.

Cell-specific expression of the IP(3) receptor gene family in the kidney

BACKGROUND/AIM

The localization of inositol trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor isoforms, types 1-3, in the kidney and their role in the regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration - [Ca(2+)](i) - are discussed.

METHODS

Immunohistological studies with isoform-specific antibodies were performed to reveal the localization of IP(3) receptor isoforms. To examine the role of IP(3) receptor type 1 in the glomeruli, the responses of [Ca(2+)](i) to hormonal stimuli were examined in IP(3) receptor type 1 knockout mice.

RESULTS

In the immunohistological study, type 1 receptor was present in arteries, afferent arterioles, and mesangial cells. Double staining with antibodies against aquaporin 2 and IP(3) type 2 receptor revealed that type 2 receptor was localized mainly in the intercalated cells. The type 3 receptor showed characteristic intracellular localization in the collecting duct cells of the cortex to the outer medulla. Immunostaining of type 3 receptor was most intense in the cytoplasm on the basolateral membrane side and was not seen on the apical side. The responses of [Ca(2+)](i) to angiotensin II and endothelin in the glomeruli were markedly attenuated in IP(3) receptor type 1 knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The three isoforms of the IP(3) receptor showed distinctive localization in the kidney, and the type 1 receptor plays a major role in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) in the glomeruli. The physiological significance of the cell-specific localization, however, remains to be determined.

Inhibition of type I and III IP(3)Rs by TGF-beta is associated with impaired calcium release in mesangial cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) mediate cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) signals in response to a variety of agonists that stimulate mesangial cell contraction and proliferation. In the present study, we demonstrate that mesangial cells express both type I and III IP(3)Rs and that these receptors occupy different cellular locations. Chronic treatment with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1; 10 ng/ml, 24 h) leads to downregulation of both type I and III IP(3)Rs as measured by immunoblot and confocal analysis. TGF-beta1 treatment does not affect IP(3) levels, and downregulation of type I IP(3)R is not due to enhanced degradation of the protein, as the half-life of type I IP(3)R is unchanged in the presence or absence of TGF-beta1. Functional effects of TGF-beta1-induced downregulation of the IP(3)Rs were evaluated by measuring [Ca(2+)](c) changes in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) in intact cells and sensitivity of [Ca(2+)](c) release to IP(3) in permeabilized cells. TGF-beta1 pretreatment led to a significant decrease of [Ca(2+)](c) release induced by EGF in intact cells and by submaximal IP(3) (400 nm) in permeabilized cells. Total IP(3)-sensitive [Ca(2+)](c) stores were not changed, as assessed by stimulation with maximal doses of IP(3) (10.5 microm) and thapsigargin-mediated calcium release in permeabilized cells. We conclude that prolonged exposure to TGF-beta1 leads to downregulation of both type I and III IP(3)Rs in mesangial cells and this is associated with impaired sensitivity to IP(3).

Identification of type 1 IP(3) receptors in the rat kidney and their modulation by immobilization stress

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)-receptor) is a calcium channel, transporting calcium from intracellular stores to the cytoplasm. In kidney, IP(3)-receptors are involved in the signal transduction of various hormones. In our work we studied the effect of immobilization stress on the IP(3)-receptor's protein content in renal cortex and the medulla of normotensive and hypertensive rats. We detected both mRNA and type 1 IP(3)-receptor protein in medulla, but not in renal cortex. We found that this receptor was approximately twice as abundant in normotensive as in genetically hypertensive rat kidney. Immobilization stress decreased the amount of type 1 IP(3)-receptor in the renal medulla of normotensive rats approximately five times, while no effect due to single and/or repeated stress was observed in the renal medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The results indicate that expression of type 1 IP(3)-receptor in renal medulla is modulated by hypertension and immobilization stress.

TGF-beta in diabetic kidney disease: role of novel signaling pathways

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States and is a major contributing cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Despite conventional therapy to improve glycemic and blood pressure control the incidence of diabetic nephropathy is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. As the major pathologic feature of diabetic nephropathy is diffuse mesangial matrix expansion, the pro-sclerotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta, TGF-beta, is a leading candidate to mediate the progression of the disease. Numerous studies have now demonstrated that TGF-beta is a key factor in experimental models of diabetic kidney disease as well as in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Recent studies have begun to explore the mechanisms by which TGF-beta is stimulated by high glucose and how TGF-beta exerts its matrix-stimulating effects on renal cells. TGF-beta may also be involved in mediating the vascular dysfunction of diabetic kidney disease via its effects on the key intracellular calcium channel, the inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R). As there is substantial evidence for a cause and effect relationship between upregulation of TGF-beta and the progression of diabetic kidney disease, future studies will seek to establish specific targets along these pathways at which to intervene.

Intracellular calcium concentration in the inositol trisphosphate receptor type 1 knockout mouse

Recently, mice with a disrupted inositol trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type 1 allele were produced by gene targeting. To examine the role of IP3 receptor type I in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of glomerular cells, [Ca2+]i was measured with fura 2-acetoxymethyl-ester in the superfused glomeruli from homozygous and wild-type mice. [Ca2+]i was determined in calcium-free medium before and after the addition of 10(-7) M endothelin-1 (ET-1) and 10(-6) M angiotensin II (AngII). The expression of mRNA of IP3 receptor isoforms and hormone receptors in the glomeruli from these animals also was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR with specific primers for IP3 receptor isoforms (types 1, 2, and 3), AngII receptor type 1, and ET receptors (types A and B). In homozygous mutants, the shorter mRNA of IP3 receptor type 1, which lacks the first exon, is transcribed. Basal [Ca2+]i and the responses to ET-1 and AngII in homozygous mutants (ET-1, 55 +/- 7 nM to 73 +/- 7 nM; AngII, 66 +/- 6 to 91 +/- 8 nM) were significantly lower than those in the wild-type mice (ET-1, 93 +/- 13 nM to 162 +/- 13 nM; AngII, 87 +/- 7 to 147 +/- 9 nM; P < 0.05 for both hormones) without significant changes in mRNA expression of hormone receptors. The results with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR also revealed that mRNA expression of the IP3 receptor gene family was not significantly different between the two groups. The present study clearly shows that IP3 receptor type 1 plays a major role in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in the glomeruli and that lack of an isoform of IP3 receptor in the glomeruli does not induce expression of the other isoforms of the IP3 receptor.

Involvement of PDGF in pressure-induced mesangial cell proliferation through PKC and tyrosine kinase pathways

In glomerular hypertension, mesangial cells (MC) are subjected to at least two physical forces: mechanical stretch and high transmural pressure. Increased transmural pressure, as well as mechanical stretch, promotes MC proliferation, which may enhance glomerulosclerosis. The exact mechanism of this effect is not fully understood. We examined the effects of transmural pressure alone on cell proliferation and DNA synthesis and investigated the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), candidates for mediation of glomerular diseases, in the pressure-induced events. Pressure was applied to cultured MC placed in a sealed chamber using compressed helium gas. Application of pressure resulted in a time-dependent ( approximately 2 h) and pressure level-dependent (approximately 80 mmHg) increase in cell number (1.4-fold) and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation (2.7-fold). Pressure-induced DNA synthesis was significantly suppressed by inhibitors of phospholipase C (2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N, N-diphenylcarbamate), protein kinase C [1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine and chelerythrine], or tyrosine kinases (genistein). Pressure caused a rapid but transient formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which was blocked by the phospholipase C inhibitor. Pressure also promoted a rapid increase in tyrosine kinase activity. Pressure increased mRNA levels of PDGF-B, with a peak at 6 h, but not those of PDGF-A or bFGF. Pressure-induced DNA synthesis was partially inhibited by a neutralizing anti-PDGF antibody but not by an antibody against bFGF or nonimmune IgG. Our results indicated that pressure by itself increases DNA synthesis and proliferation of cultured rat MC possibly through activation of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases, and PDGF-B could be partially involved in these pathways.

Renal type I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is reduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and mice

The mechanisms underlying glomerular hypertrophy and hyperfiltration in diabetes remain unclear. We have previously demonstrated that the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is increased in early diabetic kidney disease and TGF-beta1 inhibits the expression of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-gated calcium channel, the type I IP3 receptor (IP3R), in mesangial cells. To test the hypothesis that reduced type I IP3R may be important in diabetic kidney disease, we evaluated type I IP3R expression in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and mice. Two-week-old diabetic rats have decreased renal type I IP3R protein and mRNA levels. Immunostaining of normal rat kidney demonstrated presence of type I IP3R in glomerular and vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas diabetic rats had reduced staining in both compartments. Reduction of type I IP3R also occurred in parallel with renal hypertrophy, increased creatinine clearance, and increased renal TGF-beta1 expression in the diabetic rats. Two-week-old diabetic mice also had reduced renal type I IP3R protein and mRNA expression in association with renal hypertrophy and increased TGF-beta1 mRNA expression. These findings demonstrate that there is reduced type I IP3R in glomerular and vascular smooth muscle cells in the diabetic kidney, which may contribute to the altered renal vasoregulation and renal hypertrophy of diabetes.